Have you ever considered hiking barefoot? Our family loves exploring the outdoors, and hiking is our go-to activity. So far, I’m the only one brave enough to shed my shoes and feel the earth beneath my bare feet as we trek through the woods. But going barefoot might not be as crazy as it seems. Several studies suggest that barefoot hiking offers various health benefits, such as strengthening foot and leg muscles. A 2021 study found that participants who wore no or minimal footwear increased their foot strength by an average of 57.4% over six months. Other benefits include improved balance and gait, reduced inflammation, and better foot mechanics. We’ll be exploring these ideas more in the coming months. Have you ever tried barefoot hiking? What was your experience?
Snow days in the southern United States. A little bit cold but very refreshing. Have you ever tried going barefoot in the snow?
Our family also loves nature-centric destinations for our day trips. Natural Bridge Park in Northern Alabama is one of these great spots. Open since 1954, this family-owned park is famous for its 148-foot-long sandstone and iron ore natural arch, the longest east of the Rocky Mountains. We’ve visited many times, trekking the one-mile nature trail through the rocky landscape, shaded by eastern hemlock trees. We love immersing ourselves in nature, exploring and learning through all our senses. Hiking is one of our favorite activities. Does your family visit nature-oriented parks in your area?
Throughout the country, there are many unique and historical destinations to explore. One such place in our state is the historic Duel Railroad Tennessee River Bridge in Bridgeport. This Civil War-era bridge stands resilient over the river, offering a delightful half-mile round trip walk with excellent views. The cool breeze from the rushing waters below is refreshing. Historic sites like this bridge make great day trip locations for families to get outdoors, exercise, and learn a bit of history. We love discovering such sites across our state and planning day trips around them. Does your family enjoy visiting historical places?
New Year's Eve is a time for reflection. Looking back on the past year, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences we've had. Time seems to pass more quickly each year, and with our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of moments for exploration and personal growth. I’m thankful for the opportunities we had last year to explore new places in Kentucky and Virginia, enjoy a family vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains, and finally return to the beach. We've worked on grounding ourselves, improving our fitness, and finding our rhythm. While I’m sure the year ahead will be even busier, I hope we can still carve out time for road trips, new adventures, and making the most of life!
Enjoying time with family as we walk through the sparkling lights. Our little one is growing up; exploring and learning from the world around him. There is nothing like slowing down and enjoying a quiet evening adventuring to the local park.
After our first cave experience went well, we decided to tackle a slightly larger cave tour a few weeks ago. Cathedral Caverns spans about 3 acres and is home to Goliath, a massive cave column that stands 45 feet tall and has a circumference of 243 feet. We took the 90-minute tour, walking 1.5 miles underground to admire the stunning formations throughout the cave. Originally opened in the 1950s as Bat Cave, it was later reopened in 2000 as a state park, with renovated pathways that provide easier access. Everyone in our family enjoyed the tour, and it was definitely worth the time. We’re sure we’ll be back in the near future.
We love hiking barefoot. Over the past decade, this practice has gained acceptance as studies have revealed its positive benefits. One documented advantage is enhanced sensory perception, which can improve environmental awareness and help avoid potential hazards. Hiking barefoot also encourages a more natural walking pattern, reducing stress on the joints and improving overall posture. Additional benefits include improved balance and proprioception. While hiking barefoot may not be for everyone, it is worth trying.
We encourage you to explore the great outdoors with your children, family and friends. Studies indicate children eight years and older spend more than 1300 hours annually in front of computers, mobile devices and televisions combined. The Bare Soles Explorers’ strives to encourage children to go outdoors, disconnect and immerse themselves in adventure. Engaging in various activities, such as playing at the park, hiking in the woods, visiting a museum, exploring a historical landmark, camping at a national park, or constructing a stick fort encourages physical, social, and behavioral well-being, and can improve a child’s academic performance. Become a Bare Soles Explorer today by unplugging from technology and exploring a destination close to home or taking an overnight road trip. Connect with our community #baresolesexplorers and share your adventures with us on social media when your exploration is done. Tag us @baresolesexplorers and we’ll repost your adventure. Build memories that will last a lifetime. Why @baresolesexplorers? Because kids love to be barefoot. We aim to empower children to embrace their adventurous nature, engage their senses, and discover creative experiences in the world around them. Furthermore, research indicates that going barefoot has health benefits for both children and adults, including stress reduction, physical strengthening, and enhanced learning abilities. While being barefoot is not a requirement to join our community, a passion for adventure and the creation of cherished family memories are all that’s needed. Will you join us? Invite your family and friends to follow us, share your adventures with #baresolesexplorers and tag @baresolesexplorers to have your adventures reposted in our social community. #baresolesexplorers #explorethegreatoutdoors #gobarefoot #activekids #naturekids #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoorkids #outdoorfamilies #unplug
Adjacent to the Grist Mill is the Kymulga Covered Bridge. Constructed in 1861, the 105-ft long Howe truss wooden bridge spans Talladega Creek; a popular spot for swimming, kayaking and fishing. The wood bridge timber floor has seen many travelers pass over the gentle creek below. Remnants of the Old Georgia Road lay past the bridge just inside the treeline. We enjoyed hiking the nature trails which follow the creek and diversion channel that was dug to facilitate construction of the grist mill dam. Some oak trees along the path were over 30-ft in circumference. We dipped our feet into the cool creek before heading home. When you’re thinking of exploring outdoors, consider your local community operated parks. You never know what exciting things you will find exploring them.
Experiencing history firsthand by exploring unique places is invaluable for kids. Even at a young age, these experiences encourage mental growth and development. We love taking road trips to these types of places and experiencing them for ourselves. We visited the Kymulga Grist Mill, toured the still-operating mill, and learned about the process of milling wheat and corn. Seeing the inner workings, grist stones, belts, and pulleys was exciting for our young one. The highlight of his visit was feeling the freshly ground cornmeal. We encourage you to look around your town, community, or state to find educational road trips for your family.
Getting in a short walk after the big meal. The temperature has already started dropping and will continue to fall through the night. I guess winter is finally upon us. Had to bundle up for this one. People ask “aren’t your feet cold?” Actually, they’re not due the increased blood flow from the exercise. Get out and enjoy the day!
It was a cloudy, rainy Sunday so we decided to venture to the zoo. Lucky for us the rain held off until just the time we were leaving. The little one's favorite is the flamingos. They did not disappoint. We also got to see the newest member of the zoo, the rhino. It seems he was out enjoying the cooler weather as well. We walked over a mile enjoying the primates, the elephants, the giraffes and the predators. It was a great day and a great way to get outdoors and learn about wildlife around the globe.
Cool water on a hot day is probably the most relaxing form of outdoor play. The sensation of water flowing over your feet helps enhance your connection with nature while cooling your body and relaxing your mind. Being in direct contact with the earth, especially in natural bodies of water can help you absorb electrons from the ground, thus reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and lowering stress. It's a fun way for the entire family to unwind, relax and reconnect with nature.
Let’s talk about history. Every state is rich with historical events and landmarks. Many aspects of history can be experienced within a few hours’ drive from our homes. These road trips are simple, easy to plan, and fun for the entire family. Next time you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, pull up Google Maps and search for historic destinations in your state. You might discover a variety of fascinating places, just like we found Clarkson Covered Bridge. You never know what you will find in your local community and state.
Nature provides a rich and diverse learning environment for children of all ages. From observation and exploration to sensory learning, nature offers endless opportunities for children to observe, explore, and engage all their senses. From watching insects, feeling textures of leaves, smelling the fragrance of flowers, to listening to the sounds of birds; the wild provide a multi-sensory adventure. Spending time playing, hiking, climbing trees, or just playing outdoors, encourages physical activity promoting overall health and well-being. Studies show time spent in nature reduces stress, anxiety and depression; helping children feel calmer, happier and more connected to the world around them.
We encourage you to explore the great outdoors with your children, family and friends. Studies indicate children eight years and older spend more than 1300 hours annually in front of computers, mobile devices and televisions combined. The Bare Soles Explorers’ strives to encourage children to go outdoors, disconnect and immerse themselves in adventure. Engaging in various activities, such as playing at the park, hiking in the woods, visiting a museum, exploring a historical landmark, camping at a national park, or constructing a stick fort encourages physical, social, and behavioral well-being, and can improve a child’s academic performance. Become a Bare Soles Explorer today by unplugging from technology and exploring a destination close to home or taking an overnight road trip. Connect with our community #baresolesexplorers and share your adventures with us on social media when your exploration is done. Tag us @baresolesexplorers and we’ll repost your adventure. Build memories that will last a lifetime. Why @baresolesexplorers? Because kids love to be barefoot. We aim to empower children to embrace their adventurous nature, engage their senses, and discover creative experiences in the world around them. Furthermore, research indicates that going barefoot has health benefits for both children and adults, including stress reduction, physical strengthening, and enhanced learning abilities. While being barefoot is not a requirement to join our community, a passion for adventure and the creation of cherished family memories are all that’s needed. Will you join us? Invite your family and friends to follow us, share your adventures with #baresolesexplorers and tag @baresolesexplorers to have your adventures reposted in our social community. #baresolesexplorers #explorethegreatoutdoors #gobarefoot #activekids #naturekids #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoorkids #outdoorfamilies #unplug
Happy Halloween! The weather is turning colder, the leaves are falling, and Halloween has arrived. We wish everyone a safe Halloween and hope you get as much candy as you can eat!
Some people ask how I can hike barefoot in the woods or walk on a rocky pavement. The truth is going barefoot frequently improves our soles durability, making them thicker and less susceptible to injury through a process called natural adaptation and conditioning. Regular exposure of your feet to various surfaces without cushing of shoes causes the sole to toughen up, becoming thicker and more resistant to abrasions and punctures. Exposure to various textures stimulates the tissues of the sole, including the muscles, tendons and ligaments, which adapt, becoming more resilient and providing the body with better shock absorption and support. Bare feet provide enhanced sensory feedback, provide better awareness of the terrain and potential hazards. This can improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of injuries such as sprains and strains. Lastly, going shoeless promotes better blood circulation in the feet, delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the tissues aiding in their repair and strengthening. If you or your kids aren’t barefooters, give it a try by starting slowly and gradually increase your barefoot activities. We think you will benefit from it.
Grounding, or earthing, is the idea that direct physical contact with the earth, such as walking barefoot, allows positively charged free radicals to be neutralized by electrons absorbed from the earth's surface. While the concept may sound abstract, scientific research is underway on how going barefoot can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Different surfaces offer varying degrees of conductivity. Soils, grass, and sand when damp are the best conductors. Rock and gravel can vary depending on composition and moisture content. Many factors affect the effectiveness of grounding including contact, environmental conditions and personal sensitivity. While more research is needed, why not give it a try yourself and see if you can experience any positive benefits from allowing your bare soles to touch the earth beneath them.